The end of an era

After 17 years Tony Butlin has now retired from his roles of youth coach and groundsman at Radyr Cricket Club (RCC). During his time at the club Tony has made a huge impact in both the junior and senior sections. His experience as an educator and coach along with his love of cricket were a perfect combination to stimulate the growth of the youth section at RCC. He worked tirelessly with the younger age groups and was a strong advocate of Girls cricket.

The fruits of his labour are clear to see with a wealth of club cricketers representing the club at County & National level. In addition to his work in the youth section Tony spent countless hours preparing the square, tracks and outfield in his role as Groundsman.

In 2012 he won an Outstanding Service to Cricket Award from Cricket Wales, a thoroughly deserved mark of the appreciation of his colleagues, peers and friends. More recently and in appreciation of his commitment to the club he has been made a Life Vice President of RCC. Tony was also presented with a small gift from the junior section at their recent presentation.

Tony would like to also share some words:

Thank you all for the Gift that was given to me at the Youth Award Ceremony.

Those, who were there, are now aware that my duties as a groundsman and coach have come to an end after seventeen years.

Unfortunately, many of you, who had other commitments, couldn’t attend.

To all parents, present or not, may I thank you for all your commitments, in all the roles, that you have played in helping me during my work at the club.

I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching both with girls and boys at all ages. I hope that their introduction to cricket has inspired them in many ways.

I hope that you and your sons and daughters continue to enjoy the game and may the Youth Section continue to be a major asset to the club.

I hope that we shall keep in touch, I shall be down at the club from time to time.